Evaluating the Combined Use of Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality in Higher Education: A Bibliometric and Systematic Analysis

Abstract

In the study, which aims to determine the advantages and difficulties of using “artificial intelligence” and “virtual reality” applications in higher education, a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis were used together to determine the trends in the studies conducted. Web of Science database was preferred to obtain the data in the study. “Artificial intelligence”, “virtual reality”, and “higher education” were used as keywords. Only English, open-access journals, literature reviews, and conference proceedings were included in the study. First, the abstracts of 61 studies that met these criteria were reviewed. Then, the documents to be included in the study were determined by the PRISMA steps. As a result of the PRISMA processes, ten studies were read in detail, and the study findings were obtained. According to the results obtained, it was determined that there were difficulties in motivation continuity and reflecting human emotions, in addition to the many positive effects of using “artificial intelligence” and “virtual reality” applications in higher education. In addition, as a result of the bibliometric mapping, it was determined that the most preferred keywords in studies containing these applications were “Virtual reality”, “artificial intelligence”, and “machine learning”. Suggestions are given depending on the results obtained.